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But he said it was a tragic accident in which he had mistaken Ms Steenkamp for an intruder.

If convicted of murder, he faces up to life in prison.

The trial is due to start on 3 March.

In a televised ruling in a Pretoria high court, Judge Dustan Mlambo said it was vital that impoverished South Africans who feel ill-treated by the justice system be given a first-hand look at the trial.

"The justice system is still perceived as treating the rich and famous with kid gloves whilst being harsh on the poor and the vulnerable," he said.

"Enabling a larger South African society to be able to follow first-hand criminal proceedings which involve a celebrity, so to speak, will go a long way into dispelling these negative and unfounded perceptions."

Judge Mlambo attached several conditions, including provisos that no recording be allowed during breaks and that no confidential communication between parties involved in the trial be recorded.

He also said the cameras could not take "extreme close-ups" or record witnesses who did not give their consent.

Judge Mlambo said the presiding judge had the discretion to order that broadcasting be stopped if "it becomes apparent that the presence of cameras ... is impeding a particular witness' right to privacy, dignity or the accused's right to a fair trial".

Mr Pistorius' legal team had opposed televising the trial on the grounds it would be intrusive.

Local media groups had argued for it under freedom of information principles enshrined in South Africa's post-apartheid constitution.